Skip to main content

2 versions

Photo by: Tim Bindner

Today I looked at one of my previous photographs and it inspired me to edit the original composition differently. As you know, I love black and white, but I took this one is in color. It turns out to be of my favorite shots I have ever taken. Dr. Erin even purchased this one (the original version), and it is hanging in her office.

I took the shot at Mount Saint Francis at 8:40am on Thursday, November 24, 2022. Little did I know what the day had in store for me. They admitted me to the hospital for a heart attack that occurred during or after taking this memorable picture. For me, the picture stands alone from the memories I will have of what happened later and this shot does not remind me of that ill-fated day. More of the moment I captured it. When I took this photograph, I felt I captured something more spiritual. More ethereal. Certainly, more natural.

What caught my eye was the fog coming through the trees and the rays of sun illuminating the bench below. I didn’t really edit the original picture much, other than a bit of cropping and slight exposure adjustments.

For me, I overwhelmingly prefer the darker version. One aspect that many will not see until now (since I pointed it out) is the lightly kissed leaves in the middle of the frame and to the right in the darkness. Faint hints of red or orange are reflecting the sun and providing an air of mystery. This is less noticed in the lighter version due to so much more being exposed or revealed. In my edit I feel there is a bit of mood, mystery, and emotion. The darker edit tells a story, unlike the original.

The original is a shot that is amongst many that rotates as my wallpaper on my work computer throughout the day. Today the lighter version caught my eye, and it inspired me to edit it as I have done in the picture above.

My first shot seen below is brighter. It displays more of the scene surrounding the primary subject. It is not until almost a year later that I understand what I was trying to capture and display to whoever views this photograph.

Photo by: Tim Bindner

I have shared this photo, and the original, with a few people already and some like the darker version, others like the lighter version. What are your thoughts on either of them?

One friend Tricia stated, “I love the way the light provides a spotlight on that empty bench. That is telling a story. Words fall short on how to describe the feeling this gives. This is absolutely gorgeous!”

Another friend Wes stated, “Funny how the ‘mood’ of these feels really different – the lighter one feels hopeful and promising (sun coming up, “It’s gonna be a good day” kind of thing..). The darker one feels more somber and flat, almost like the sun is going down.. Missed opportunity, maybe next time kinda feeling.. Nice work!!”

Finally, Tracy from my work said, “My first thought is this is the place someone goes when they don’t want to talk, don’t want to deal with expectations or work or house cleaning. Nice a secluded. This is where breathing is easy… Then I remembered it is in the woods and I wondered about mosquitos lol. I love being around people but my alone time is important. Have a wonderful day Tim! I appreciate your art!”

What is the story of this picture? Well, I have my version, and I hope any viewer has their own. My story is not to share, however. I think my critique and explanation may cloud or sway anyone else’s interpretation of this shot. If you have a story for this, please reach out and share it with me. I’d love to hear it. That applies to any of my photos.

Please take a few moments to stop whatever you are doing and really look at these photos. Don’t quickly scan it like Instagram, swipe like you do on a phone, or aimlessly turn pages in a magazine. 30 seconds is all I ask to really ‘look’ at these photographs I poured my heart into.

Until next time,

Tim

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Love to get your feedback on what you read!

Popular posts from this blog

25 years

  How do I put love into words? Especially after 25 years of marriage, two children, a few dogs, and various moves we have made both with jobs and homes. How do I explain how someone is in my daily thoughts, and every decision I make takes her into account? I have seen her grow into an exceptional mother, loving and understand wife, and beautiful human being. She is the reason I am still here on earth. Dearest Marcie, Twenty-five years. A quarter of a century. It feels like yesterday we stood at the altar, our hearts brimming with hope and anticipation. And yet, as I look back on these years, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and love. You have been my constant, my rock, my guiding star. Your love has been a beacon of light, illuminating my path even in the darkest of times. Our home is alive with the melody of your laughter, bringing boundless joy, while your kindness ignites a warmth within my very being. I cherish the memories we've made together - the adv...
Post a Comment
Read more

Good Enough?

  This past week Dr. Erin and I discussed many things. She did, however spring a new term on me. Social Attribution Error. It is something I suffer from, without knowing the term and we dove a little deeper into it and what I could do to reverse it. Social Attribution Error has many aspects but a few I want to point out. Explaining behavior : It's the process of trying to understand why someone acted a certain way by assigning a cause to their behavior.  Internal vs. external attribution : You can attribute behavior to internal factors (like personality traits) or external factors (like situational circumstances). With a bit of conversation Erin and I discussed my strong and irrational internal attribution and how I always see myself as not good enough. Not a good enough father, husband, friend, employee, relative, writer, photographer, etc. Much of this started in my childhood when my mother would compare me to my classmates, friends and even cousins...
Post a Comment
Read more

A gift from a friend

Photo by: Tim Bindner Photography Recently I received a gift from a friend.  It was unexpected but it meant so much.  A simple gesture, an act of kindness, a show of love and friendship. I met Miranda via Instagram based on a recommendation from my buddy Mark.  Like most things, he recommends I seriously consider and highly respect his suggestions.  This was true to form.  I began following Miranda on Instagram, Facebook and even viewing her website.  I stuck up a few online conversations and got the nerve to ask her for an interview.  I wrote about that here . Eventually, text and online correspondence led to a few phone calls.  I admired her work and even discussed creating a book of my own and she admitted wanting to do one as well.  Specifically, I saw two pictures that I loved.  My passion for nature, especially trees is well known.  When I saw this photo (single tree) I was floored.  I even asked her if I could buy a copy.  Nothing really came of that.  I then saw another photo ...
Post a Comment
Read more